Poultry and game bird egg incubator

ABSTRACT

An egg incubator having a base assembly, a window, and a lid assembly. The base assembly including a base tray configured to support a plurality of eggs, a water trough beneath the base tray and configured to retain a quantity of water, and a motorized egg turner configured to periodically turn the plurality of eggs. The window is configured to be removably coupled to the base assembly. The lid assembly is coupled to the window. The base assembly, window, and the lid assembly enclose a main incubation chamber sized to hold a plurality of eggs therein. The lid assembly includes a heating element configured to heat the main incubation chamber to a desired temperature, and a circulating fan configured to generate an airflow over the heating element.

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to poultry and game birdegg incubators and, more specifically, a compact egg incubator for smallfarms or residential bird hatching.

BACKGROUND

Many poultry or game bird farmers utilize an egg incubator to hatchtheir birds. Incubators generally provide a controlled climate andenvironment for producing healthy poultry and game birds.

Climate is typically controlled in terms of temperature and humidity fora given species of bird. Improper or inconsistent temperature orhumidity may result in damage to the eggs, embryos, or the birds oncethey hatch. For example, excessive temperature or insufficient humiditymay damage the embryos. Further, an incubator allows the eggs to restundisturbed other than, in certain incubators, to periodically turn theeggs. For example, chickens periodically roll their eggs to prevent theembryos from sticking to the shell of the egg. Some incubators turn theeggs periodically to mimic this behavior for at least a portion of theincubation period, and usually up to a certain amount, or predeterminedperiod, of time before an expected hatch.

Conventional small low-cost incubators are typically Styrofoam or moldedplastic and utilize a simple electric heat source and a water tray toprovide humidity. Such a heat source may be controlled by a thermostat,and the water tray must be accessed within the incubator and refilledmanually to produce an imprecise humidity level within the incubator,where too little water yields too little humidity, and too much wateryields excessive humidity. Such water trays are further disadvantageousbecause the incubator must be opened each time to gain access to thewater tray. More advanced, i.e., more costly, incubators may include a“humidity pump,” or an external humidity source that injects moist airinto the incubator. Basic incubators generally do not include amechanism for turning the eggs, which leaves the user with turning theeggs manually. Again, more costly incubators may include an automaticegg turning mechanism. For example, certain known incubators include atray onto which one or more eggs are placed, and the tray periodicallytilts the eggs in alternating directions. In another example, the trayincludes a set of motorized rolling pins onto which the eggs are placed,and the rolling pins periodically rotate to roll the eggs. In eithercase, with such automated egg turning mechanisms, the eggs should beremoved from the mechanism a certain amount of time before hatch toallow the bird to position itself for hatching.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the incubator described herein includes a base assembly, awindow, and a lid assembly. The base assembly including a base trayconfigured to support a plurality of eggs, a water trough beneath thebase tray and configured to retain a quantity of water, and a motorizedegg turner configured to periodically turn the plurality of eggs. Thewindow is removably coupled to the base assembly. The lid assembly iscoupled to the window. The base assembly, window, and the lid assemblyenclose a main incubation chamber sized to hold a plurality of eggstherein. The lid assembly includes a heating element configured to heatthe main incubation chamber to a desired temperature, and a circulatingfan configured to generate an airflow over the heating element.

One aspect of the motorized egg turner described herein includes a basetray, an egg turner wheel, and an electric motor. The base tray is sizedto receive a plurality of eggs thereon. The egg turner wheel isaxially-spaced from the base tray. The egg turner wheel includes a hubhaving a shaft aperture defined therein, a first ring concentric withthe hub, and a first plurality of spokes extending radially from the hubto the first ring and defining a first plurality of compartments sizedto respectively receive the plurality of eggs therein. The electricmotor includes a drive shaft extending axially through the shaftaperture of the hub. The electric motor is configured to rotate thedrive shaft and the egg turner wheel with respect to the base tray, andis further configured to cause the first plurality of spokes to engagethe plurality of eggs to turn the plurality of eggs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an egg incubator;

FIG. 1B is an exploded diagram of the egg incubator shown in

FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a base assembly of the egg incubatorshown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of a motorizedegg turner of the egg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective diagram of the motorized egg turnershown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an exploded diagram of the motorized egg turner shown in FIG.3A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an electric motorfor use in the motorized egg turner shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C;

FIG. 5A is a perspective diagram of a base tray for use in the eggincubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, and the egg turner wheel shownin FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C;

FIG. 5B is an exploded diagram of the base tray and the egg turner wheelshown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of water troughsintegrated into a base of the egg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG.1B;

FIG. 6B is an exploded diagram of the base and bottom tray shown in FIG.6A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a window for theegg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of a lid assemblyof the egg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective diagram of the lid assembly shown inFIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a side perspective diagram of the lid assembly shown in FIG.8A and FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective diagram of a lid for the lid assemblyshown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C;

FIG. 10A is a perspective diagram of a bottom air deflector for the lidassembly shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C;

FIG. 10B is a perspective diagram of the bottom air deflector shown inFIG. 10A and a top air deflector for the lid assembly shown in FIGS. 8A,8B, and 8C;

FIG. 10C is a top perspective diagram of the top air deflector shown inFIG. 10B;

FIG. 10D is a bottom perspective diagram of the top air deflector shownin FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a humidityadjustment knob for the egg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a heating elementbracket for the egg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control panel for theegg incubator shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the egg incubators described herein include a low-costmolded plastic incubator having an automatic temperature and humiditycontrol. Temperature is monitored by a thermostat and heat is providedby an electric heating element. Humidity is provided by one or morewater troughs integrated into a base of the incubator and refillable byan external water port that enables filling without opening the mainchamber of the incubator. Humidity is further controlled by use of twoor more water troughs that can be filled independently via respectiveexternal water ports. Humidity is further controlled by a humidityadjustment knob that provides finer control. Certain embodiments of theegg incubators described herein provide an automatic egg turner. The eggturner includes a motorized egg turner wheel that is low-profile andremovable from the incubator without handling the eggs themselves.Removal of the motorized egg turner wheel disables turning of the eggsand also enables easy cleaning of the egg turner disc. Embodiments ofthe egg turner described herein further enable eggs to be turned whilelying in a flat position that improves heat distribution and avoids hotspots and cold spots that may occur when the eggs sit on-end or tiltedin conventional egg turning trays, i.e., putting one end nearer aheating element, which ultimately can affect hatch rate. Certainembodiments of the egg incubators described herein provide a clearwindow providing up to 360 degrees of visibility around the incubator.Certain embodiments of the egg incubators described herein provide anegg candler integrated into the egg incubator. For example, in oneembodiment, an egg candler is integrated into a lid assembly of theincubator, enabling embryo verification without an extra piece ofequipment.

FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an egg incubator100. FIG. 1B is an exploded diagram of egg incubator 100, shown in FIG.1A. Egg incubator 100 includes a base assembly 102, a window 104, and alid assembly 106. FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of base assembly 102of egg incubator 100, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Base assembly 102includes a motorized egg turner 108, a base tray 110, a base 112, and abottom tray 114. Motorized egg turner 108 includes an electric motor 116and an egg turner wheel 118. Lid assembly 106 includes a lid 120, a topair deflector 122, a bottom air deflector 124, a humidity adjustmentknob 126, and a heating element bracket 128. Lid assembly 106 includesan egg candler 130 and a control panel 132 integrated into a top surface134 of lid 120. Lid 120 includes a power port 136 that receives a powerinput connector such as, for example, a direct current (DC) powerconnector or an alternating current (AC) power connector (not shown).

Egg incubator 100 defines a main incubator chamber 138 within which aplurality of eggs may be placed for incubation. Eggs rest on base tray110, beneath which water at least partially fills base 112 for providinghumidity to main incubator chamber 138. Water is supplied to base 112via a first water port 140 and a second water port 142. Humidity isfurther controlled by humidity adjustment knob 126, which operates byadjusting the size of the vent through which moisture may escape mainincubator chamber 138.

Main incubator chamber 138 is supplied heat by an electric heatingelement 148 that couples, for example, to heating element bracket 128.The heating element may include, for example, a length of wire thatemits heat when supplied a current. Current supplied to the heatingelement 148 is regulated by control panel 132. Control panel 132includes a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures a temperature ofmain incubator chamber 138 and compares the measurement to a desiredtemperature, or temperature set point. The temperature set point ismanually entered by a user through control panel 132 and stored in amemory. Control panel 132 includes a processor (not shown) programmed tofunction as a thermostat to control the heating element 148. Forexample, when the measured temperature falls below the temperature setpoint, the processor energizes the heating element 148 for a period oftime or until the measured temperature rises above the temperature setpoint. In certain embodiments, the heating element 148 is energized forlimited periods of time. For example, in one embodiment, the heatingelement 148 may be limited to five minute periods of operation tominimize stress on the heating element 148 and its power circuit. Inalternative embodiments, the time period may be longer or shorterdepending on the implementation and the heating element's tolerance forcontinuous operation.

In certain embodiments, the temperature set point may include ahysteresis such that the measured temperature must fall some number ofdegrees below the temperature set point before the processor energizesthe heating element, and the measured temperature must rise some numberof degrees above the temperature set point before the processorde-energizes the heating element. For example, in one embodiment, wherethe temperature set point is 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F), the heatingelement is not energized until the measured temperature falls below 99.0degrees F., and the heating element is not de-energized until themeasured temperature rises above 100.0 degrees F.

Heated air is supplied to main incubator chamber 138 by a circulatingfan 144. Circulating fan 144 draws air from main incubator chamber 138through an inlet (not shown), across the heating element, and outthrough outlet vents 146.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective diagram of motorized egg turner 108 of eggincubator 100, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 3B is a bottomperspective diagram of motorized egg turner 108, shown in FIG. 3A. FIG.3C is an exploded diagram of motorized egg turner 108, shown in FIG. 3A.Motorized egg turner 108 includes egg turner wheel 118, axially-spacedfrom base tray 110, and electric motor 116. Electric motor 116 includesa drive shaft 302 keyed to mate a shaft aperture 304 in a hub 306 of eggturner wheel 118. Egg turner wheel 118 is a wheel fabricated of, forexample, plastic or other light-weight and low-cost material. Hub 306engages drive shaft 302 and, in certain embodiments, rests freelywithout any fastener securing egg turner wheel 118 to drive shaft 302,thereby enabling easy removal of egg turner wheel 118 from drive shaft302 and egg incubator 100 at an appropriate time during incubation. Inalternative embodiments, egg turner wheel 118 may be fastened to driveshaft 302 by any suitable fastener, such as, for example, a set screw.

Egg turner wheel 118 includes an inner ring 308 and an outer ring 310.Outer ring 310 is concentric with inner ring 308, and is spaced radiallyoutward from inner ring 308. Egg turner wheel 118 further includesspokes 312, or radial spokes, extending radially from inner ring 308 toouter ring 310, and spokes 314, or radial spokes, extending radiallyfrom hub 306 to inner ring 308. Spokes 312 are circumferentially-spacedfrom adjacent ones of spokes 312, and spokes 314 arecircumferentially-spaced from adjacent ones of spokes 314. Together,spokes 312, inner ring 308, and outer ring 310 define compartments 316and 318 within which respective eggs rest.

Each of spokes 312 includes a radial member 320, a first divergingmember 322, and a second diverging member 324. Radial member 320 extendsfrom hub 306 toward inner ring 308 to define a portion of a boundarybetween a first compartment 326 and a second compartment 328, ofcompartments 318, where first compartment 326 and second compartment 328are adjacent. In certain embodiments, radial member 320 extends all theway to inner ring 308. In other embodiments, radial member 320 extendsonly partially toward inner ring 308.

First diverging member 322 extends from radial member 320 at anintermediate position 330 between hub 306 and inner ring 308. Firstdiverging member 322 extends obliquely from radial member 320 to innerring 308 to define a portion of a boundary of first compartment 326.Second diverging member 324 extends obliquely from radial member 320 atintermediate position 330 to inner ring 308 to define a portion of aboundary of second compartment 328. For adjacent spokes 312, a firstdiverging member 322 of a first spoke 312 that defines a first portionof the boundary of first compartment 326, is parallel to a seconddiverging member 324 of a second spoke 312 that defines a second portionof the boundary of first compartment 326.

When egg turner wheel 118 is turned by electric motor 116, spokes 312and 314 engage their respective eggs to turn the eggs. Spokes 312 and314 are low-profile so as to not consume excessive amounts of spacewithin main incubation chamber 138, but are of sufficient height toproperly engage the eggs to turn the eggs. For example, spokes 312 and314, in one embodiment are approximately 10 millimeters (mm) tall. Inalternative embodiments, spokes 312 and 314 may have a height in therange of 5 mm to 40 mm depending on the species of bird for which eggsare being incubated. For example, larger eggs may require spokes 312 and314 to be taller to properly engage the eggs. Likewise, spokes 312 and314 may be smaller for engaging smaller eggs. Advantageously, spokes 312and 314 enable the eggs to lay flat for turning, as opposed to on-end inconventional egg turners. When the eggs lay flat, they will turnapproximately on their longitudinal axis, i.e., the axis extending fromend to end. At least some known conventional egg turners hold the eggson-end in a cradle that periodically tilts to turn the egg. Such turningis approximately about an axis that is normal to the longitudinal axisof the eggs. Turning the eggs while flat, i.e., on their longitudinalaxis, results in more-even heating and avoids the development of hot andcold spots within the egg that can affect hatch rate. Such hot and coldspots may occur in conventional egg incubators that utilize single-pointheat sources, e.g., heat lamps, and egg turners that hold eggs on-end,because the bottom end of the egg in the cradle, while it doesperiodically move closer to the heat source, is always further from theheat source than the top end.

Together, spokes 314, hub 306, and inner ring 308 define compartments318 within which respective eggs rest. Inner ring 308, outer ring 310,spokes 312, and spokes 314 are dimensioned such that compartments 316and 318 are large enough for an egg to pass through, thereby enablingremoval of egg turner wheel 118 from egg incubator 100 without having tohandle eggs. Accordingly, the dimensions of compartments 316 and 318 mayvary for each species of bird for which eggs are being incubated. Byallowing eggs to pass through compartments 316 and 318, manual handlingof eggs during incubation is reduced, thereby reducing time required toremove egg turner wheel 118 and reducing the risk of cracking eggs.Conversely, conventional egg turners are more complex and costly,utilizing cradles that rock in alternating directions to turn the eggs.When egg turning is to cease, such conventional egg turners then requirea user to manually move eggs from the cradles which is time consumingand risks damaging the eggs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of electric motor 116for use in motorized egg turner 108 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C.Electric motor 116 includes drive shaft 302 that is keyed to mate shaftaperture 304. Electric motor 116 may be any suitable motor for turningegg turner wheel 118, including, for example, a DC stepper motor.Electric motor 116 is controlled by control panel 132, shown in FIG. 1Aand FIG. 1B. More specifically, the processor (not shown) controls oneor more switches to couple and decouple power from stator windings ofelectric motor 116.

FIG. 5A is a perspective diagram of base tray 110 for use in eggincubator 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, and egg turner wheel 118,shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. FIG. 5B is an exploded diagram of basetray 110 and egg turner wheel 118, shown in FIG. 5A. Base tray 110provides a surface on which eggs are placed for incubation within mainincubator chamber 138. Base tray 110 includes a radial lattice structure502 defined by a plurality of concentric rings 504 and radial members506. In alternative embodiments, base tray 110 utilizes any suitablestructure that enables sufficient airflow through base tray 110 andaround eggs resting on base tray 110. For example, in one alternativeembodiment, base tray 110 utilizes a quadrilateral grid of voids toprovide sufficient airflow. In other embodiments, base tray 110 mayutilize dedicated portals for airflow with which incubating eggs do notinterfere.

FIG. 6A is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of water troughs 602,604, and 606 integrated into base 112 of egg incubator 100, shown inFIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 6B is an exploded diagram of base 112 (shownin FIG. 6A) and a bottom tray 608. Base 112 includes a housing 610having an interior 612 and an exterior 614. Interior 612 defines a lowerboundary of main incubation chamber 138. Water trough 602 is disposed oninterior 612 of housing 610, and covers a first portion of the totalsurface area of the lower boundary of main incubation chamber 138.Likewise, water troughs 604 and 606 are disposed on interior 612 ofhousing 610, and cover a second portion of the total surface area. Therespective surface areas of water troughs 602, 604, and 606 are relatedto the amount of moisture they can contribute to main incubation chamber138 when main incubation chamber 138 is closed.

Water trough 602 is isolated from water troughs 604 and 606 by at leastone side wall 616. Water troughs 602, 604, and 606 are further bound byadditional side walls 618. Water trough 602 is fluidly coupled to firstwater port 140, and water trough 604 is fluidly coupled to second waterport 142. First water port 140 and second water port 142 are eachcoupled to exterior 614 of housing 610. Side walls 616 and 618 generallyhave a height that enables water troughs 602, 604, and 606 to retain asufficient volume of water to both produce a desired humidity level andminimize, or at least reduce, the frequency of filling via water ports140 and 142. In certain embodiments, side walls 616 and 618 are at least5 millimeters tall, while in other embodiments side walls 616 and 618are at least 15 millimeters tall. The precise height of side walls 616and 618 is generally limited by the overall size of base 112.

Further, water trough 604 and water trough 606 are fluidly coupled,forming a single larger trough that is fillable through second waterport 142. Accordingly, water trough 602 is smaller in surface area thanthe combination of water troughs 604 and 606. Water trough 602, in theembodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, is disposed approximately at thegeometric center of interior 612 of housing 610, and water troughs 604and 606 are disposed around water trough 602, generally surroundingwater trough 602 aside from a channel 620 extending water trough 602 tofirst water port 140.

Water trough 602 is independently fillable from water troughs 604 and606 to enable control of humidity within main incubator chamber 138. Theamount of water in base 112 is directly related to the humidity levelmaintained within main incubator chamber 138. Filling water trough 602yields a certain humidity level within main incubator chamber 138, whilefilling water troughs 604 and 606 yield another humidity level. A higherhumidity level is achievable by filling all of water troughs 602, 604,and 606. Further, first water port 140 and second water port 142 enablefilling of water troughs 602, 604, and 606 from outside of egg incubator100. Conversely, in conventional incubators, the main incubator chamberwould be opened to gain access to a water tray or other vessel formaintaining humidity. In such conventional incubators, opening the mainincubator chamber results in temporary, but periodic, fluctuations inhumidity and temperature that can negatively affect hatch rate. Further,in such conventional incubators, the amount of water being added isoften imprecise and is difficult to achieve a precise humidity level.

Water trough 602 is dimensioned to generate, when filled, a firsthumidity level that is roughly sufficient for a first time segment ofegg incubation. For example, for chicken eggs, water trough 602 producesa humidity level of approximately 55%, which is further adjustable byhumidity adjustment knob 126, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Such ahumidity level is appropriate for a first time segment of eggincubation, which may be, for example, about 18 days. After the firsttime segment of egg incubation, humidity level is increased by fillingwater troughs 604 and 606 via second water port 142 to a second humiditylevel, such as, for example, 70%. The second humidity level isappropriate up through hatching of the eggs. Generally, the additionalmoisture in the ambient air enables easier hatch for the birds.

Control panel 132 includes a humidity sensor (not shown) that detectsthe humidity level, or humidity percentage, within main incubatorchamber 138. In certain embodiments, control panel 132 displays themeasured humidity level and may initiate, for example, audible or visualalerts to a user that the humidity level is too high or too low for agiven time during incubation. Such alerts may be initiated bytransmission of an alert signal that may be received by an indicator,display, transducer (e.g., a speaker), or any other device suitable forconveying the alert to a user.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of window 104 for eggincubator 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Window 104 is generallytransparent, or clear, to enable easy viewing of incubating eggs andhatching birds. Window 104 may be fabricated of a clear plastic. Inalternative embodiments, window 104 may be fabricated of glass, althoughsuch an implementation is less durable and adds weight to egg incubator100. In other alternative embodiments, window 104 may be fabricated ofany other suitable material that minimizes obstructions to viewingincubating eggs and hatching birds. In certain embodiments, window 104may exhibit a coloring or tint that still enables effective viewing ofmain incubator chamber 138.

Window 104 includes a lower edge 702 that engages base assembly 102 andan upper edge 704 that engages lid assembly 106. Window 104 may furtherinclude mounting points 706 for fastening window 104 to, for example,lid assembly 106. In alternative embodiments, mounting points 706 may beadjacent lower edge 702 for fastening window 104 to base assembly 102instead of lid assembly 106.

FIG. 8A is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of lid assembly106 of egg incubator 100, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. FIG. 8B is abottom perspective diagram of lid assembly 106, shown in FIG. 8A. FIG.8C is a side perspective diagram of lid assembly 106, shown in FIG. 8Aand FIG. 8B. Lid assembly 106 includes lid 120, top air deflector 122,and bottom air deflector 124.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective diagram lid 120 for lid assembly 106,shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. Lid 120 includes power port 136 and eggcandler 130 integrated into lid 120. Lid 120 also includes control panel132. Control panel 132 includes displays 802 and 804, buttons 806, andindicators 808 and 810 for interacting with a user. Lid 120 includes anaperture 812 configured to receive humidity adjustment knob 126.Humidity adjustment knob 126 achieves fine humidity control by adjustingthe size of aperture 812 through which moist air may escape mainincubator chamber 138.

FIG. 10A is a perspective diagram of bottom air deflector 124 for lidassembly 106, shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. FIG. 10B is a perspectivediagram of bottom air deflector 124, shown in FIG. 10A, and top airdeflector 122 for lid assembly 106, shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. FIG.10C is a top perspective diagram of top air deflector 122, shown in FIG.10B. FIG. 10D is a bottom perspective diagram of top air deflector 122,shown in FIG. 10B.

Top air deflector 122 and bottom air deflector 124 couple together todefine a space in fluid communication with main incubator chamber 138and within which circulating fan 144 and the heating element aredisposed. Top air deflector 122 is primarily a solid plate havingvarious apertures 1002, 1004, and 1006. Aperture 1002 enables a limitedairflow that further enables fine control of humidity level within mainincubator chamber 138. Apertures 1004 are configured to receivefasteners for coupling heating element brackets 128 to top air deflector122. Apertures 1006 enable passage of electrical wiring for electricallycoupling control panel 132 to circulating fan 144, the heating element,and various sensors disposed in main incubator chamber 138, such as, forexample, a temperature sensor (not shown). Top air deflector 122includes another aperture 1008 configured to receive a humidity sensor(not shown).

Bottom air deflector 124 includes outlet vents 146 and an inlet air vent1010. Circulating fan 144 is configured to be disposed in inlet air vent1010 such that it draws air from main incubator chamber 138 into thespace between top air deflector 122 and bottom air deflector 124 whereit is heated, and then expelled out through outlet vents 146 into mainincubator chamber 138. Bottom air deflector 124 further includesreceivers 1012 configured to receive heating element brackets 128.

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of humidityadjustment knob 126 for egg incubator 100, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.Humidity adjustment knob 126 includes a handle 1102 coupled to a body1104 that serves to regulate airflow through aperture 812, which furtherprovides fine control of humidity within main incubator chamber 138.

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of heating elementbracket 128 for egg incubator 100, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Heatingelement bracket 128 includes a cylindrical body 1202 having one or moreannular grooves 1204 configured to receive the heating element (notshown). The heating element may include, for example, a wire coil havingone or more windings that respectively engage annular grooves 1204.Heating element brackets 128 are configured to be received by receivers1012 on bottom air deflector 124. Heating element brackets 128 arefurther configured to receive a fastener through top air deflector 122and, more specifically, through apertures 1004.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control panel 1300 foregg incubator 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Control panel 1300includes a processor 1302 for operating egg incubator 100. Control panel1300 includes displays 1304 and 1306, indicators 1308, and buttons 1310.Processor 1302 is programmed to control displays 1304 and 1306 todisplay, for example, measured temperature, temperature set point,humidity, and incubation time. In alternative embodiments, processor1302 is further programmed to control displays 1304 and 1306 to displayvarious other information related to incubation, including, for example,status of an egg turner 1312, status of an egg candler 1314, status of acirculating fan 1316, or status of a heating element 1318. In certainembodiments, processor 1302 is programmed to control indicators 1308 toconvey such information regarding, for example, egg turner 1312, eggcandler 1314, circulating fan 1316, or heating element 1318. In certainembodiments, processor 1302 is further programmed to generate an audibleor visible alert regarding humidity level or temperature within mainincubator chamber 138.

Processor 1302 is programmed to receive inputs from buttons 1310. Inputsreceived from buttons 1310 may include menu selections, displaysettings, and increment/decrement of control parameters such astemperature set point, days of incubation, or frequency of egg turning,for example.

Control panel 1300 is supplied DC power 1320 through a power port 1322.In certain embodiments, for example, DC power 1320 is a 12 Volt DCsupply. In alternative embodiments, control panel 1300 may be suppliedAC power that is then converted to suitable frequency and voltage foruse by processor 1302 and other components of control panel 1300.Control panel 1300 includes a voltage regulator 1324 and power switchingdevices 1326 for regulating power supplied to various components ofcontrol panel 1300. For example, voltage regulator 1324 converts DCpower 1320 to a level suitable for digital electronics including, forexample, processor 1302 and an LED 1328 of egg candler 1314. In certainembodiments, voltage regulator 1324 converts DC power 1320 from, forexample, 12 VDC to 5 VDC, or from 12 VDC to 3.3 VDC. Power switchingdevices 1326 control supply of DC power 1320 to other electricalcomponents, including, for example, circulating fan 1316, heatingelement 1318, and an electric motor 1330 of egg turner 1312. Powerswitching devices 1326 control the supply of DC power 1320 based on oneor more power control signals 1332 generated by processor 1302 inresponse to one or more stimulus received at processor 1302. Powerswitching devices 1326 may include one or more semiconductor switchessuch as, for example, power metal-oxide silicon field effect transistors(MOSFETs), insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), or other suitablesemiconductor switches for switching power under load. In alternativeembodiments, power switching devices 1326 may include electromechanicalrelays.

For example, processor 1302 enables supply of DC power 1320 to heatingelement 1318 when a measured temperature falls below a thresholdtemperature, such as a temperature set point. Control panel 1300includes a temperature sensor 1334 that is disposed in the mainincubation chamber of the egg incubator, such as, for example, mainincubation chamber 138 of egg incubator 100, both shown in FIGS. 1A and1B. In certain embodiments, processor 1302 enables supply of DC power1320 to circulating fan 1316 at any time that heating element 1318 isenergized to ensure proper air circulation for heating the mainincubation chamber.

Another example of stimulus is processor 1302 receives a measuredhumidity from a humidity sensor 1336 disposed in or near the mainincubation chamber. If the measured humidity level is too far below ortoo far above a humidity set point, processor 1302, in certainembodiments, may initiate an audible or visual alert to a user using,for example, displays 1304 or 1306, or indicators 1308.

Processor 1302 controls power switching devices 1326 to supply DC power1320 to electric motor 1330 periodically to turn egg turner 1312. Forexample, in one embodiment, electric motor 1330 may include a DC steppermotor and processor 1302 is programmed to periodically supply DC power1320 to the DC stepper motor to increment its position, thereby turningegg turner 1312.

Control panel 1300 includes a clock 1338 that generates a clock signalthat is supplied to processor 1302 for use in controlling variouscomponents of control panel 1300. For example, processor 1302 mayutilize the clock signal to determine a time interval between engagingegg turner 1312. Similarly, processor 1302 may utilize the clock signalto determine an interval between heating cycles of heating element 1318,duration of heating cycles, or a duration of operation of circulatingfan 1316.

Control panel 1300 operates egg candler 1314 in response to actuation ofone or more of buttons 1310. In certain embodiments, for example, one ofbuttons 1310 is a dedicated button that couples and decouples LED 1328of egg candler 1314 to a regulated voltage output of voltage regulator1324. In alternative embodiments, processor 1302 detects an actuation ofone or more of buttons 1310 to enable egg candler 1314. In response tothe actuation, processor 1302 may transmit a control signal to aswitching device, such as, for example, one or more MOSFETs to supplythe regulated voltage to LED 1328. In certain embodiments, the switchingdevice is latched to a closed state with a single button actuation, andcommutated to an opened state with a second button actuation.

The methods and systems described herein may be implemented usingcomputer programming or engineering techniques including computersoftware, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof,wherein the technical effect may include at least one of: (a) reducingsize and cost of an egg incubator with automatic heat control, humiditycontrol, and egg turning; (b) enabling removal of the automatic eggturner without manual handling of eggs; (c) improving humidity controlwith independently filled water troughs; (d) reducing fluctuations intemperature and humidity by enabling filling of water troughs from oneor more external water ports; (e) integrating an egg candling functioninto the egg incubator; (f) enabling turning of eggs lying flat; (g)automatic cessation of egg turning a predetermined period of time priorto hatch; (h) improving viewable space by incorporating a 360 degreeclear window; and (i) further improving humidity control using ahumidity adjustment knob for fine adjustments airflow from the eggincubator.

In the foregoing specification and the claims that follow, a number ofterms are referenced that have the following meanings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and precededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “example implementation” or “oneimplementation” of the present disclosure are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementationsthat also incorporate the recited features.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are notto be limited to the precise value specified. In at least someinstances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision ofan instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout thespecification and claims, range limitations may be combined orinterchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic processing orcomputing devices. As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer”and related terms, e.g., “processing device,” “computing device,” and“controller” are not limited to just those integrated circuits referredto in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a processor, aprocessing device, a controller, a general purpose central processingunit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, amicrocomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a reducedinstruction set computer (RISC) processor, a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), and other programmable circuits orprocessing devices capable of executing the functions described herein,and these terms are used interchangeably herein. The above examples areexemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way thedefinition or meaning of the terms processor, processing device, andrelated terms.

In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but is notlimited to, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as flashmemory, a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Asused herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable media” isintended to be representative of any tangible, computer-readable media,including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices,including, without limitation, volatile and non-volatile media, andremovable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical andvirtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as anetwork or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means,with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal.Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM),a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or anyother computer-based device implemented in any method or technology forshort-term and long-term storage of information, such as,computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules andsub-modules, or other data may also be used. Therefore, the methodsdescribed herein may be encoded as executable instructions, e.g.,“software” and “firmware,” embodied in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. Further, as used herein, the terms “software”and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer programstored in memory for execution by personal computers, workstations,clients and servers. Such instructions, when executed by a processor,cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methodsdescribed herein.

Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels maybe, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with anoperator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, othercomputer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, butnot be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment,additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, anoperator interface monitor.

The systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specificembodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systemsand/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separatelyfrom other components and/or steps described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any featureof a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to provide details on thedisclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An egg incubator, comprising: a base assemblyincluding: a base tray configured to support a plurality of eggs, awater trough beneath the base tray and configured to retain a quantityof water; and a motorized egg turner configured to periodically turn theplurality of eggs the motorized egg turner comprising: a hub, a firstring concentric with the hub, and a first plurality of spokes extendingradially from the hub to the first ring and defining a first pluralityof compartments sized to respectively receive the plurality of eggstherein, wherein each of the first plurality of spokes iscircumferentially-spaced from an adjacent spoke of the first pluralityof spokes, wherein each of the first plurality of spokes comprises: aradial member extending from the hub toward the first ring to define aportion of a boundary between a first compartment and a secondcompartment, of the first plurality of compartments, the firstcompartment adjacent to the second compartment, a first diverging memberextending from the radial member at an intermediate position between thehub and the first ring, the first diverging member extending obliquelyfrom the radial member to the first ring to define a portion of aboundary of the first compartment, and a second diverging memberextending obliquely from the radial member, at the intermediateposition, to the first ring to define a portion of a boundary of thesecond compartment, wherein a first diverging member of a first spoke,of the first plurality of spokes, that defines a first portion of theboundary of the first compartment, is parallel to a second divergingmember of a second spoke, of the first plurality of spokes and adjacentto the first spoke, and that defines a second portion of the boundary ofthe first compartment; a window removably coupled to the base assembly;and a lid assembly coupled to the window, the base assembly, window, andthe lid assembly enclosing a main incubation chamber sized to hold aplurality of eggs therein, the lid assembly including: a heating elementconfigured to heat the main incubation chamber to a desired temperature;and a circulating fan configured to generate an airflow over the heatingelement.
 2. The egg incubator of claim 1, wherein the lid assemblyfurther comprises an egg candler.
 3. The egg incubator of claim 1,wherein the base assembly comprises a first external water port in fluidcommunication with the water trough, the first external water portenables filling of the water trough without opening the main incubationchamber.
 4. The egg incubator of claim 3, wherein the base assemblyfurther comprises a second water trough in fluid communication with asecond external water port, the first external water port and the secondexternal water port configured to be independently filled.
 5. The eggincubator of claim 1, wherein the motorized egg turner comprises: anelectric motor having a drive shaft; and an egg turner wheel having ahub defining a shaft aperture, the shaft aperture sized to receive thedrive shaft of the electric motor therethrough.
 6. The egg incubator ofclaim 5, wherein the drive shaft of the electric motor mates with theshaft aperture of the egg turner wheel.
 7. The egg incubator of claim 5,wherein the electric motor comprises a direct current (DC) steppermotor.
 8. The egg incubator of claim 5, wherein the egg turner wheelcomprises a plurality of rings and radial spokes that cooperate todefine a plurality of compartments sized to receive one of the pluralityof eggs therein.
 9. The egg incubator of claim 8, wherein the rings andthe radial spokes are dimensioned such that the plurality ofcompartments are each larger than each of the plurality of eggs.
 10. Theegg incubator of claim 9, wherein the egg turner wheel is configured tobe removably coupled to the drive shaft of the electric motor, andwherein the egg turner wheel is removable from the egg incubator withouthandling the plurality of eggs.
 11. The egg incubator of claim 1 furthercomprising a processor configured to periodically enable the motorizedegg turner to turn the plurality of eggs for a predetermined period oftime prior to an expected hatch.
 12. A motorized egg turner for an eggincubator, the motorized egg turner comprising: a base tray sized toreceive a plurality of eggs thereon; an egg turner wheel axially-spacedfrom the base tray, the egg turner wheel comprising: a hub having ashaft aperture defined therein, a first ring concentric with the hub,and a first plurality of spokes extending radially from the hub to thefirst ring and defining a first plurality of compartments sized torespectively receive the plurality of eggs therein, wherein each of thefirst plurality of spokes is circumferentially-spaced from an adjacentspoke of the first plurality of spokes, wherein each of the firstplurality of spokes comprises: a radial member extending from the hubtoward the first ring to define a portion of a boundary between a firstcompartment and a second compartment, of the first plurality ofcompartments, the first compartment adjacent to the second compartment,a first diverging member extending from the radial member at anintermediate position between the hub and the first ring, the firstdiverging member extending obliquely from the radial member to the firstring to define a portion of a boundary of the first compartment, and asecond diverging member extending obliquely from the radial member, atthe intermediate position, to the first ring to define a portion of aboundary of the second compartment, wherein a first diverging member ofa first spoke, of the first plurality of spokes, that defines a firstportion of the boundary of the first compartment, is parallel to asecond diverging member of a second spoke, of the first plurality ofspokes and adjacent to the first spoke, and that defines a secondportion of the boundary of the first compartment; and an electric motorhaving a drive shaft extending axially through the shaft aperture of thehub, the electric motor configured to rotate the drive shaft and the eggturner wheel with respect to the base tray, and further configured tocause the first plurality of spokes to engage the plurality of eggs toturn the plurality of eggs.
 13. The motorized egg turner of claim 12,wherein the first plurality of spokes are configured to turn theplurality of eggs approximately about respective longitudinal axesextending from a first end to a second end of each egg of the pluralityof eggs.
 14. The motorized egg turner of claim 12, wherein the eggturner wheel is selectively removable from the drive shaft.
 15. Themotorized egg turner of claim 12, wherein the egg turner wheel furthercomprises: a second ring concentric with the hub and the first ring, andspaced radially outward from the first ring; and a second plurality ofspokes extending radially from the first ring to the second ring, thesecond plurality of spokes defining a second plurality of compartmentssized to each receive one of the plurality of eggs therein.
 16. Themotorized egg turner of claim 15, wherein each of the second pluralityof spokes is circumferentially-spaced from an adjacent spoke of thesecond plurality of spokes.